Work on replacing a 127-year-old water transmission main continues along a section of George Street in Sydney. A CBRM spokesperson said the project and roadwork construction are anticipated to be completed by Christmas Day. Photo by Ian Nathanson /Cape Breton PostArticle contentThe Cape Breton Regional Municipality says a recent newspaper ad describing sewer and water service installations as being “discontinued” until April 15, 2026, has no connection to construction work taking place on a section of a busy thoroughfare near Wentworth Park in Sydney.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle content“We did see that there was some chatter and confusion around the language in the advertisement,” CBRM spokesperson Jenna MacQueen said. “We do recognize that the wording was a little bit confusing, and may have added to some confusion that some people may have had.” Article contentArticle contentOne social media post from Nov. 28 — the day the ad appeared in the Cape Breton Post print edition — appeared to have sparked conversation about the ad — and connecting the ad’s mention of “unavailability of asphalt” to the road construction along George Street in front of a convenience store business. Article content‘SAFETY AND FINANCIAL CONCERN’Article content“For us as a small local business, this news hits hard. We’ve been impacted by this construction since August — delays, blocked access, reduced foot traffic — and we’re genuinely suffering. And we know we’re not the only ones feeling this pressure,” a Mac’s Convenience post read. Article content“Residents, families, and even vehicles have taken a beating from these torn-up roads and ongoing detours all summer long. And now winter is here. Snow + unfinished roads + months more of waiting is a real safety and financial concern for everyone.” Article contentArticle content The Cape Breton Regional Municipality says a recent newspaper ad describing sewer and water service installations as being ‘discontinued’ until April 15, 2026, has no connection to construction work taking place on a section of George Street in Sydney. Photo by CAPE BRETON POST/CAPE BRETON REGIONAL MUNICIPALITYArticle contentWhat is taking place along George Street, the CBRM explained in an October social media post, is a $2.1-million project to replace the 127-year-old water transmission main along George Street, between Byng Avenue and Cromarty Street.Article contentArticle contentAccording to the municipality, “The section of pipe being replaced is one of the oldest and most critical parts of the system, serving as a main supply line for thousands of homes and businesses. Article content“Construction began in August with crews installing the new main from Argyle Street to the railway tracks near Byng Avenue. As the work progressed, public works experienced challenges in isolating the existing watermain within the project area. Because this main supplies water to nearly 5,000 customers, including all of Whitney Pier, downtown Sydney, and parts of Ashby and Alexandra Street, the risks of interruption were significant.
CBRM clears up confusion about public works ad and road construction on Sydney thoroughfare
